Chicago Equity Partners has hired Brian Portnoy as managing director and head of alternatives and strategic initiatives.

In this newly established post, Portnoy will report to the firm's president, Patrick Lynch, and will help to lead the firm’s ongoing efforts in creating innovative solutions for the firm’s institutional clientele. Portnoy will work with the firm’s internal equity and fixed income teams, as well as pursuing select external partnerships.

Prior to joining Chicago Equity, Portnoy worked for the Vestian Group as portfolio manager and director of research, at Mesirow Advanced Strategies as associate head of hedge fund research and at Morningstar as a senior anaylst.

“Chicago Equity Partners has long been a leader in working with sophisticated institutional clients in delivering fundamentally-oriented, research-intensive, and process-driven investment solutions. As the formerly distinct worlds of traditional and alternative investments converge, our clients expect sound and creative solutions regardless of labels,” said Lynch in a statement. “Brian brings to the table a broad experience and network in both the alternative and traditional industries. As a seasoned leader with demonstrated institutional experience, we are thrilled that Brian has joined us to help direct the firm in the future.”

Founded in 1989 and with $8.7 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2012, Chicago Equity Partners is an institutional money manager specializing in equity and fixed income capabilities.

From the current issue of

Since the inception of Modern Trader, a core editorial theme has centered on the wisdom and power of crowds. Editorial emphasis has focused on companies and projects engaged in the collection and analysis of information.